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Microchip Technology ATSAMA5D42A-CU
- Part No.:
- ATSAMA5D42A-CU
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Microprocessors
- Package:
- 361-TFBGA
- Datasheet:
-
ATSAMA5D42A-CU.pdf
- Description:
- IC MPU SAMA5D4 600MHZ 361TFBGA
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,998
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Product details
Overview
ATSAMA5D42A-CU from Microchip Technology is a 600 MHz Arm® Cortex®-A5-based MPU with 128 KB L2 cache, TrustZone® security, dual 10/100 Ethernet MACs with IEEE 1588 v2, and hardware-accelerated LCD controller supporting 720p overlays - designed for industrial HMI, secure gateways, and IoT edge devices requiring video playback and robust connectivity.
For engineers reviewing the ATSAMA5D42A-CU datasheet, ATSAMA5D42A-CU pinout, ATSAMA5D42A-CU application, or ATSAMA5D42A-CU equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, validated package mapping (361-ball TFBGA), confirmed low-power modes (Idle/Ultra-low-power/Backup), DDR2/LPDDR2 memory controller specs, and real-world use cases in secure industrial gateways and embedded video systems.
Technical Context
The ATSAMA5D42A-CU implements a full Armv7-A architecture with NEON SIMD engine and MMU, enabling Linux-capable operation at up to 600 MHz under worst-case conditions (945 MIPS). Its multi-layer bus architecture sustains high bandwidth via 32 DMA channels and supports concurrent DDR2/LPDDR2 (32-bit datapath) and NAND Flash (24-bit ECC) access.
Security is enforced through hardware-assisted TrustZone®, on-the-fly AES encryption/decryption of DDR traffic, Integrity Check Monitor (ICM) using SHA256, tamper-detection PIOBU pins, and a dedicated public-key coprocessor (CPKCC) for RSA/ECC/AES/SHA/TRNG - all integrated into a single die without external security IC dependency.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | Arm Cortex-A5, Armv7-A Thumb2, 600 MHz max frequency (945 MIPS @ worst-case temp/voltage) |
| Memory Subsystem | 128 KB L2 cache; 32 KB I-cache + 32 KB D-cache; 32-bit DDR2/LPDDR2 controller with 512 MB support and AESB bridge |
| Security Features | TrustZone®; ICM (SHA256); 8 KB scrambled SECURAM; 512-bit fuse box; CPKCC coprocessor for RSA/ECC/AES/SHA/TRNG |
| Connectivity | Dual 10/100 Ethernet MACs with IEEE 1588 v2; 3x HS USB host + 1x HS USB device; 5x USART, 3x SPI, 4x TWI, 2x MCI (eMMC/SD) |
| Peripherals | LCD controller (720p, 4 overlays, alpha blending); 5-channel 10-bit ADC with resistive touchscreen; ISI (ITU-R BT.601/656); no hardware video decoder |
| Power Management | Three software-selectable low-power modes: Idle (CPU stopped, full bus speed), Ultra-low-power (CPU stopped, min bus speed), Backup (RTC + backup SRAM only) |
| Package | 361-ball stubless TFBGA, 16×16 mm body, 0.8 mm pitch - matches SAMA5D44, differs from SAMA5D43/SAMA5D41 LFBGA289 |
Pinout & Package
ATSAMA5D42A-CU is housed in a 361-ball stubless TFBGA package (16×16 mm, 0.8 mm pitch), compatible with standard reflow profiles and IPC Class 3 assembly. The package supports 152 user I/Os across five parallel I/O controllers with slew-rate control, Schmitt-trigger inputs, and programmable pull-up/pull-down resistors.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| PA0–PA31, PB0–PB31, PC0–PC31, PD8–PD31, PE0–PE31 | Parallel I/O Controllers A–E | 152 configurable GPIOs with peripheral multiplexing (e.g., PA0 = LCDDAT0, PB2 = G0_TXEN, PC27 = AD0) |
| DDR_A0–DDR_A13, DDR_D0–DDR_D31 | DDR2/LPDDR2 Interface | 32-bit data bus + 14-bit address bus supporting 512 MB density; includes DDR_CKE, DDR_CS, DDR_DQS[3:0], DDR_CALP/N |
| GMAC0/GMAC1 TX/RX signals | Dual Ethernet MAC Physical Layer Interface | G0/G1_TX0–3, RX0–3, TXCK, RXCK, TXEN, RXDV, CRS, COL, MDC/MDIO - full IEEE 802.3 and 1588 v2 timing support |
| LCDDAT0–23, LCDVSYNC, LCDHSYNC, LCDPCK | LCD TFT Controller Interface | 24-bit RGB data bus + sync signals enabling 720p display with hardware overlays, rotation, and alpha blending |
| XIN/XOUT, XIN32/XOUT32 | Oscillator Inputs/Outputs | Primary 12 MHz crystal interface + low-power 32.768 kHz RTC oscillator; internal RC oscillators (12 MHz & 64 kHz) available as fallback |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| TrustZone®-enabled secure execution environment | Hardware-isolated secure world for boot code, crypto keys, and sensitive firmware - prevents runtime privilege escalation attacks |
| On-the-fly DDR encryption/decryption (AESB) | Automatically encrypts/decrypts DDR traffic in real time using AES-128, eliminating software overhead and protecting against cold-boot attacks |
| Integrity Check Monitor (ICM) | SHA256-based memory integrity verification detects unauthorized modification of boot ROM, SRAM, or external flash contents |
| Dual 10/100 Ethernet with IEEE 1588 v2 | Hardware timestamping and PTP synchronization enable sub-microsecond time coordination across industrial networks and motion control systems |
| 720p LCD controller with 4 hardware overlays | Enables layered UI composition (e.g., video background + transparent menu + status bar) without CPU intervention or frame buffer copying |
| 5-channel 10-bit ADC with resistive touchscreen support | Integrated touch digitizer eliminates need for external controller; supports 4-wire analog resistive panels with pressure measurement |
Applications
| Industrial HMI Panel | Secure IoT Gateway |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Factory-floor human-machine interface with 7-inch 720p TFT display, Ethernet backhaul, and local USB storage. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main application processor executing Linux, driving LCD overlay engine, managing dual Ethernet for PLC communication and cloud uplink. Use Value: Hardware-accelerated UI rendering reduces CPU load by >40% vs. software-only composition; TrustZone isolates HMI OS from gateway security services. |
Use Scenario: Field-deployed smart grid node aggregating data from Modbus RTU sensors and forwarding via TLS-secured Ethernet to SCADA. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Root-of-trust anchor running secure boot, performing AES-256 encryption of sensor payloads, and enforcing strict network policy via hardware firewall logic. Use Value: On-the-fly DDR encryption prevents RAM scraping; CPKCC offloads ECC signing for certificate-based device authentication without CPU latency penalty. |
| Video-Based Retail Kiosk | Medical Device Control Unit |
|
Use Scenario: Self-service kiosk with HDMI output, capacitive touchscreen, and dual Ethernet for payment processing and content updates. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Application processor handling Android/Linux GUI, video decode (via software stack), and secure payment transaction routing over isolated Ethernet port. Use Value: Dual Ethernet enables physical network separation: one port for PCI-DSS-compliant payment traffic, second for general-purpose LAN - enforced at hardware level via TrustZone-peripheral access control. |
Use Scenario: Portable ultrasound control unit with real-time image acquisition, battery-backed RTC, and encrypted patient data logging to eMMC. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time system controller managing ISI camera interface, ADC for analog front-end monitoring, and secure boot for FDA-regulated firmware validation. Use Value: Backup mode maintains RTC and 128 KB backup SRAM during main power loss; ICM validates firmware integrity before each boot per IEC 62304 requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar MPU applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATSAMA5D44A-CU | Includes hardware 720p video decoder (VDEC) for MPEG-4/H.264/VP8/JPEG; identical 361-ball TFBGA package and DDR32-bit interface | Required for standalone video playback without software decode; adds ~150 mW active power vs. ATSAMA5D42A-CU | Select when hardware-accelerated video decode is mandatory; otherwise ATSAMA5D42A-CU offers lower BOM cost and thermal footprint |
| ATSAMA5D36A-CU | Lower-cost Arm926EJ-S core (536 MHz), no TrustZone, no NEON, single Ethernet MAC, 16-bit DDR interface, LFBGA289 package | Suitable for non-security-critical HMIs with basic graphics; lacks ICM, CPKCC, AESB, and IEEE 1588 support | Choose for cost-sensitive designs where security certification (e.g., IEC 62443) is not required and video features are minimal |
Compared with ATSAMA5D44A-CU, ATSAMA5D42A-CU removes the video decoder to reduce power and cost while retaining identical security, connectivity, and LCD capabilities; versus ATSAMA5D36A-CU, it delivers higher performance, dual Ethernet, TrustZone, and hardware crypto acceleration essential for certified industrial deployments.
Availability
ATSAMA5D42A-CU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI, secure IoT gateways, and medical device control units requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for ATSAMA5D42A-CU includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Microchip Technology is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog, FPGA, and security solutions, with a focus on reliability, longevity, and embedded system integration.
The SAMA5D4 series targets high-assurance industrial and consumer applications requiring Linux-capable processing, hardware-enforced security, and rich multimedia/peripheral integration - optimized for HMI, gateway, and edge AI inference endpoints.
FAQ
Does ATSAMA5D42A-CU include a hardware video decoder?
No, ATSAMA5D42A-CU does not integrate a hardware video decoder. Per the official Microchip datasheet DS60001525C, the SAMA5D42 variant explicitly omits the VDEC block present in the SAMA5D44. Video decoding must be performed in software using the Cortex-A5 core and NEON engine, or offloaded to an external ASIC/FPGA. This omission reduces power consumption and silicon area while retaining full LCD controller and camera interface functionality.
What is the DDR interface width supported by ATSAMA5D42A-CU?
ATSAMA5D42A-CU supports a 32-bit DDR2/LPDDR2 interface, as confirmed in Table 3-1 of the datasheet and the "SAMA5D4 Series Devices" summary table (page 3). This enables up to 512 MB of DDR memory with full 32-bit data path throughput, distinguishing it from the 16-bit DDR interface used in the LFBGA289 variants (SAMA5D41/SAMA5D43).
Which security features are unique to ATSAMA5D42A-CU compared to legacy MPUs?
ATSAMA5D42A-CU integrates multiple hardware-enforced security features absent in most legacy MPUs: TrustZone® for secure world isolation, on-the-fly AES encryption/decryption of DDR traffic (AESB), Integrity Check Monitor (ICM) using SHA256, 8 KB of scrambled SECURAM for key storage, and a dedicated CPKCC coprocessor for RSA/ECC operations. These features collectively enable secure boot, runtime memory protection, and cryptographic acceleration without software-only compromises.
Can ATSAMA5D42A-CU operate in ultra-low-power modes while maintaining Ethernet connectivity?
Yes - in Ultra-low-power mode, the ATSAMA5D42A-CU stops the CPU core but keeps all peripherals, including both Ethernet MACs, running at minimum operating bus frequency. This allows continuous packet reception and wake-on-LAN functionality while reducing dynamic power by >70% versus active mode, making it suitable for always-on industrial network nodes with strict energy budgets.
What is the maximum resolution supported by the LCD controller in ATSAMA5D42A-CU?
The LCD controller in ATSAMA5D42A-CU supports up to 2048×2048 pixels in static mode or 720p (1280×720) in video format, with hardware-accelerated features including four independent overlays, alpha blending, rotation, and color space conversion. This capability is fully documented in the "Features" section (page 2) and block diagram (page 4) of the official datasheet.
ATSAMA5D42A-CU Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package/Case:
- 361-TFBGA
- Series:
- SAMA5D4
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Core Processor:
- ARM® Cortex®-A5
- Number of Cores/Bus Width:
- 1 Core, 32-Bit
- Speed:
- 600MHz
- Co-Processors/DSP:
- Multimedia; NEON™ SIMD
- RAM Controllers:
- LPDDR, LPDDR2, DDR2
- Graphics Acceleration:
- Yes
- Display & Interface Controllers:
- LCD, Touchscreen
- Ethernet:
- 10/100Mbps (1)
- SATA:
- -
- USB:
- USB 2.0 (3)
- Voltage - I/O:
- 1.2V, 1.8V, 3.3V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Security Features:
- AES, SHA, TDES, TRNG
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 361-TFBGA (16x16)
- Additional Interfaces:
- EBI, I2C, MMC/SD/SDIO, SPI, SSC, UART, USART
ATSAMA5D42A-CU FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ATSAMA5D42A-CU through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ATSAMA5D42A-CU on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for ATSAMA5D42A-CU reliable?
The price and inventory of ATSAMA5D42A-CU are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ATSAMA5D42A-CU is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ATSAMA5D42A-CU?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ATSAMA5D42A-CU transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ATSAMA5D42A-CU?
ATSAMA5D42A-CU orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ATSAMA5D42A-CU order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for ATSAMA5D42A-CU?
For technical support, including ATSAMA5D42A-CU datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ATSAMA5D42A-CU requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ATSAMA5D42A-CU is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ATSAMA5D42A-CU products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that ATSAMA5D42A-CU meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ATSAMA5D42A-CU?
All ATSAMA5D42A-CU units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ATSAMA5D42A-CU, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The ATSAMA5D42A-CU part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ATSAMA5D42A-CU:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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